UM president considers appealing NCAA sanctions

University of Montana President Royce Engstrom says he's considering a request by hundreds of Montana football fans to appeal its NCAA sanctions.

The association found players received improper benefits and coaches and others failed to monitor the program.

Last July, the NCAA agreed to UM's self-imposed sanctions of three years of probation, the loss of four scholarships for three seasons and the vacation of five football wins, including two playoff wins.

In December and again last month, football program supporters argued the sanctions exceeded those imposed on other schools that acknowledged more egregious and blatant violations. They argued the "extra benefits" were humanitarian in nature and that the NCAA is considering removing some of the penalized activities as violations.

Engstrom tells the Missoulian he's consulting with people on the matter.